Started in 2022 by COU COU curators Clare Carswell and artist Peta Lloyd, the BIDDY project represents the work of older women artists who have an ongoing art practice. We challenge lazy stereotypes of the marginalised and invisible older woman and offer alternatives to derogatory descriptions such as 'biddy'. We especially welcome artists who may be returning to practice after a break, or who have come to it later in life.
We curate platform events of performance art and exhibitions by older women artists. The large application we had from all over the world for our first BIDDY event in Bath in 2022 told us of the demand for exhibition opportunities as well as for networking between older women artists.
We have since presented performance events in Oxford and for the Frome Festival in Somerset.
In January 2025 we will curate a large exhibition by older women artists, with performance events and talks, in the Glass Tank Gallery at Oxford Brookes University.
BIDDY BOOST is a research and production group that meets monthly for sharing of work in progress, discussion on differing aspects of art practice, and to meet guest artists and curators.
We welcome women artists over fifty, with an ongoing art practice, living or working in Oxfordshire and further afield. We find artists by word of mouth and by call out in local arts listings and on social media.
We meet in art or community spaces in Oxford city or out in the county to enable access for all.
Led by artists Clare Carswell and Peta Lloyd, BIDDY BOOST supports the development of productive art practice, skill sharing and growing of networks and opportunities. The group of twelve or so artists is a dynamic mix of artists who have worked for decades, some who are returning to productivity after a break and others who have come to art practice later in life. Some have only recently left art education and feel that they benefit from continued support and professional development.
The meetings include informal sharing of works in progress, with group feedback and supportive discussions to develop our ideas. Conversations identify both positive and challenging aspects of maintaining art practice later in life and actions we can take in order to be more productive and to plan opportunities to show our work.
We invite guest artists to share their work with us and to lead drawing and other activities. Growing trust, friendship and our support networks is an important part of the time we spend together so we ask that artists attend as many monthly sessions as they can.
We are currently planning an exhibition of work by the group with Oxford Brookes University early in 2025.